what they are likeGrand Basset Griffon Vendéen temperament
A cheerful, self-assured hound with a big voice and lots of drive. It is keen and a little independent, so it responds best to a patient, consistent owner, but it is never high-strung.3124
how to spot oneGrand Basset Griffon Vendéen coat and colours
rough, harsh and flat
A slightly long-bodied hound on straight legs, dressed in a harsh, flat, not overly long coat that is never silky or woolly. Bushy eyebrows and a light beard give it a cheerful, shaggy face.13
Coloursblack with whiteblack and tanfawn with whitetricolour (fawn with black mantle and white)fawn with black overlaywhite with lemon, orange, sable or grizzle markings123
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
per year, in your countryWhat a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen costs
Running costs for a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
how busy a day looksGrand Basset Griffon Vendéen exercise needs
High. This is the fastest of the basset-type hounds and it does not tire easily, so it needs plenty of daily walks, sniffing time and secure off-lead running.24
the hands-on bitsGrand Basset Griffon Vendéen grooming and care
The rough coat benefits from a weekly brush to remove debris and loose hair; keep the beard and ears clean after outdoor adventures.1
where they are happiestGrand Basset Griffon Vendéen at home
Happy in an active home with access to the outdoors; a securely fenced garden suits its love of following a scent.41
who they like aroundGrand Basset Griffon Vendéen with people and other pets
Originally a pack dog, so it thrives on company, whether other dogs or lots of time with its people.3
where it all beganGrand Basset Griffon Vendéen history
The GBGV comes from the larger Grand Griffon Vendéen. In the late 1800s the Comte d'Elva selected for straight-legged bassets, and later Paul Dezamy set the modern type at around 43 cm for hunting hare.13
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
It is described as the fastest of the scent-hound bassets.2
2
A team of Grand Bassets won the fifth European Cup for hare hunting.3
3
Its traditional colour names include hare, wolf, badger and wild boar.2
4
It is one of six basset breeds recognised by the FCI.3
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed name comes from the Vendée region of France, with 'Grand' meaning large, 'Basset' meaning low-set, 'Griffon' referring to its rough coat, and 'Vendéen' indicating its origin.3
told by a Grand Basset Griffon VendéenA day in the life
This morning I woke up and gave my human a big, slobbery kiss. Then I trotted to the garden, sniffing every leaf and blade of grass. My human put on my harness and we set off for the park. I let out a happy bay when I saw a rabbit trail. We ran through the woods, my ears bouncing, and I stopped to shake mud everywhere. Later, I napped on the sofa with my head on a cushion. Dinner time, I wagged my whole body when my bowl appeared. Now I'm curled up, dreaming of tomorrow's walks.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
the official bitsRecognised by
FCI
Standard No. 33, Group 6 (Scent hounds); current standard dated 14 Feb 20011
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, and at what times?
Feed adult dogs at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent meal times help with digestion and routine, so choose times that work for you and stick to them.5
What should a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts; always avoid these.6
How often should I bathe a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but you can bathe more often if they get very dirty. At least once every three months is a good general rule.7Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen need brushing?
Brush their rough coat weekly to remove debris and loose hair. This keeps their coat healthy and reduces shedding.1Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 4 weeks or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain and bleeding.7Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen need?
This breed has high energy and needs plenty of daily walks, sniffing time, and secure off-lead running. They are the fastest of the basset-type hounds and don't tire easily.24
How do I look after a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and check their floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Gently dry the ears after outdoor adventures to prevent infections.7Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen live?
Lifespan varies, but senior years usually start around age 8. For specific longevity information, ask your vet or a good breeder. Pet Wiki plan
Is a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are cheerful and self-assured, and originally a pack dog, so they thrive with other dogs and lots of family time. Early socialization helps them get along well with children and other pets.3124
Can a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen be left alone?
They thrive on company and may struggle with long periods alone. If left alone, provide plenty of mental stimulation and consider a dog walker or pet sitter.3
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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